Minister Lawless Appoints Brigid McManus as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Skillnet Ireland

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD today announced his appointment of Brigid McManus as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Skillnet Ireland for a three-year term. The Minister also appointed Conor Healy, as nominated by Chambers Ireland, Joanne Somers as nominated by Ibec, AJ Noonan as nominated by the Small Firms Association along with Ellen Roche to serve three-year terms. 

Welcoming the new appointees, Minister Lawless, said: “I am delighted to appoint these new Directors to the Board of Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet Ireland plays a central role in responding to Ireland’s evolving skills needs and in driving innovation across workforce development. Strong leadership at Board level is essential as we work to ensure that businesses and workers have the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Brendan McGinty for his outstanding contribution to Skillnet Ireland over the past twenty years, in particular, since 2015, when he became Chairperson. Brendan's commitment to improving Ireland’s labour market and skills infrastructure is commendable. I’d also like to acknowledge Ian Talbot, Mairead Divilly and Carol Ann Casey for their contributions to the work of the Board of Directors.” 

“I am delighted to appoint Brigid as my first Ministerial appointment to the role of Chairperson, and her expertise and experience will greatly support both the Board and the Executive,” Minister Lawless added. “I want to thank the new Directors for their commitment and look forward to the valuable contribution they, along with Brigid as Chairperson, will make at this important time of transformation and opportunity.”  

Brigid McManus is a former Secretary-General of the Department of Education and Skills who also held senior roles in the Department of Finance and the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Currently she is a member of the Governing Body of the National College of Ireland and an external member of the University of Galway Audit and Risk Committee. 

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: "I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Chairperson Brigid McManus, whose expertise and leadership will be of great value to Skillnet Ireland, and to the newly appointed Board Directors, joining Skillnet Ireland as we deliver upon our recently launched Statement of Strategy for 2026-2028 to support the competitiveness of Irish businesses and skills development of Ireland's talented workforce. I would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our outgoing Chairperson, Brendan McGinty, whose deep commitment and contribution to the organisation has been instrumental to its progress and growth."  

Skillnet Ireland is funded by the National Training Fund, through Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.  

For further information about the Skillnet Ireland Board appointments, go to gov.ie/dfheris.